After a program-best 5-0 start, the Archbishop Williams girls hockey team’s unbeaten streak came to an end Wednesday with a 1-0 loss to Arlington Catholic at Zapustas Arena.

A victory over the defending Division 1 state champion would have established the Bishops as a surefire contender for the Div. 2 crown. But even in hard-fought defeat, Williams proved it could hang with one of the elite teams in the state.

“To hold a team like that to a one-point game and take them right to the end – we had chances at the end, but no – I’m very happy with how we played,” said coach Mark McHale. “My team didn’t quit. They played hard. We just played the best team in the state.”

Arlington Catholic got on the board immediately during what McHale called the Bishops’ “one bad shift” of the night. From there, the teams battled for a full 45 minutes in a physical and up-and-down affair that tested both goaltenders.

Despite picking up her first loss of the season, McHale praised the play of the Bishops’ star junior goalie, Ashley Dallaire of East Bridgewater, who has allowed just seven goals in six games this season.

“My goalie had a tremendous game, which she has for us all season,” McHale said, adding that Dallaire had played every minute of every game since the start of her freshman season. “She’s a leader on our team and she comes prepared for every game.”

Senior captain Erin Dwyer characterized the loss as a growing pain in what the Bishops feel could be a special season. Archbishop Williams was 13-9 last season and won its opening game in the Div. 2 state tournament.

“We started off undefeated, so that (gave the team confidence),” said Dwyer, who leads the team in goals (7), assists (7) and total points (14). “We’re really excited and really working hard. We want to reach that next step.”

Dallaire was even more confident: “We’re going to go all the way,” she said.

The Bishops’ swagger has clearly inspired championship-caliber play so far this year. But McHale maintained perspective after Wednesday’s game.

“We’re going to get better and better,” he said. “We’ll be around when the dust clears.”